During menopause, a woman undergoes major changes. It is the phase when she no longer menstruates. As a result, she cannot get pregnant. Estrogen and progesterone are the female sex hormones. As she approaches menopause, there is an imbalance of these hormones causing menopausal symptoms. Symptoms associated with menopause include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Discomfort during sex
- Vaginal dryness
- Urinal urgency
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Dry skin
Some women experience mild menopausal symptoms. However, in some, these can be severe. And to manage these severe symptoms, gynaecologists often prescribe hormone replacement therapy. Although it helps with menopausal symptoms and has other benefits too, there are many risks associated with it. To know this treatment method in detail, its pros, cons, and side effects, Onlymyhealth spoke to Dr. Seema Sharma, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram.
What Is & Why Is It Prescribed?![Hormone Replacement Therapy is for menopause]()
(Photo Credit: Freepik)
As you progress towards menopause, your ovaries no longer produce high levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal changes can cause uncomfortable symptoms, Dr. Sharma explained. To relieve such symptoms, hormones levels are boosted, which is called hormone replacement therapy, or HRT.
Also read: Can Menopause Result in Depression?
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Pros
So, as you have already understood, HRT relieves menopausal symptoms, making it the primary benefit of this treatment. However, this isn’t benefits, and hormone replacement therapy has other pros too that include:
- Reduced risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
- A modest betterment in joint pain.
- Lowered risk of colon cancer.
- Lowered risk of diabetes.
- Decreased risk of tooth loss.
- Improved mood and overall well-being.
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Cons
Despite the benefits, there are some drawbacks too. Here are the cons associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT):
- If not done properly, it can increase your risk of endometrial cancer.
- Giving just estrogen can cause thickened endometrium.
- HRT can increase your risk of blood clotting and stroke.
- You might get at risk of gall bladder problems.
- It increases your risk of dementia.
- HRT also increases your risk of breast cancer,
- It also increases your risk of heart problems.
Due to myriad cons associated with HRT, doctors prescribe it only following a thorough health check-up. They assess if you are a high-risk patient before prescribing this therapy.
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Side Effects
Apart from the above-stated cons, when you undergo hormone replacement therapy, you might suffer from certain side effects. These include:
- Monthly bleeding, if you have a uterus
- Irregular spotting
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Some less common side effects of hormone replacement therapy include:
- Fluid retention
- Headache
- Skin discolouration
- Skin problems
So, as you saw that hormone replacement therapy helps with the symptoms associated with menopause. Not just this, it provides other benefits as well. However, despite these benefits, there are certain cons associated with it too. Hence, only after a proper assessment will your doctor prescribe you for this treatment. While undergoing this therapy, you might suffer from some side effects. Hence, follow your doctor’s advice thoroughly.
(With inputs from Dr. Seema Sharma, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram)
Photo Credit: Freepik
